Scientific Name: Pygocentrus cariba
Common Names: Black Shoulder Piranha, Orinoco Piranha, Black Eared Piranha, Venuzuelan Red Belly Piranha. The Natives call this species Caribe, which means cannibal. They are named after a cannibalistic Native tribe which no longer exists. And are sometimes called Capaburro by caddle herdsmen, it means Donkey Castrator.
Range: Venezuela, Rio Orinoco, Lago del Guarico
Adult Size: 12"
Tank Size: Adult specimens of this species should be kept in a tank of at least 80gallons.
Compatible Species: P.nattereri, P.piraya
Hunting Method: ?
Comments:
The Black Shoulder Piranha has been said to be a very aggressive species in the wild. Groups of these specimens have been known to congregate under nesting birds waiting for chicks to fall into the water. When Piranhas like this have been conditioned to feeding in this manner it is definatley not a good idea to go into the water.
